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2005 Chevy Equinox LT AWD Road Test

Ready to Do Battle in the Compact SUV War

Anyone who doesnt believe the worlds number one automaker is on the upswing only has to take a look at the 2005 Chevy Equinox, just arriving in showrooms. The replacement for the aging Suzuki Grand Vitara based Tracker has been completely rethought, resulting in one of the best looking small SUVs to hit the road.

"The Equinox has unmistakable Chevy Truck DNA," commented Margaret Brooks, Equinox marketing director. "Its strong stance reflects the new face of Chevrolet, and sets it apart from the rest of the compact SUV class."

Of course theres more to it than just what meets the eye. Chevys new compact SUV offers larger interior dimensions than the outgoing Tracker, resulting in

The 2005 Chevy Equinox is an impressive replacement for the current aging Suzuki Grand Vitara-based Tracker. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

the longest wheelbase in its class at 112.5 inches, plus better quality cabin materials, including soft-touch dash plastics and nicely detailed metallic trim, as well as a more flexible seating/cargo arrangement.

The latter is dubbed Multi-Flex rear seating, which allows the back seat to slide up to 8.0 inches forward and backward, providing increase legroom for passenger when in its rearmost position and increased

The Equinox is larger, built with better quality cabin materials and features a more flexible seating/cargo arrangement than the outgoing Tracker. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

cargo capacity when pushed toward the front - a simple but effective solution to the passenger/cargo quandary. The flat-folding front passenger seat combines with a split-folding rear seat for stowage of long items.

As part of this functionality Equinox takes a cue from Chryslers PT Cruiser in offering a height-adjustable cargo shelf, carpeted on one side and hard plastic on the other. It increases storage space while doubling as a partition between prying

Although not revolutionary, the interior of the new SUV delivers all the features you could want for its entry-level price. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

eyes and valuables, plus it transforms into a convenient picnic table when pulled out.

"As the compact utility segment continues its growth, consumers are demanding more than just traditional SUV functionality," stated Brooks. "They want more style, more features and amenities, in a comfortably sized package."

The interior design wont win any creativity awards, but it delivers what most people want. Large easy-to-read instruments face the driver behind a purposeful 4-spoke steering wheel, while an attractive metal-finish center stack protrudes

A 185-hp 3.4-liter Vortec V6 produces 210 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

slightly from dash level toward the driver and front passenger, offering an easier reach to radio and HVAC controls. My LT tester featured optional leather seat surfaces, a nice touch that elevates the vehicle to an upwardly mobile class seemingly beyond its comparatively reasonable fully-loaded price point. The top "Preferred Equipment Group" adds $3,745 to the price of the $24,335 AWD LT model, plus in addition to the leather seating surfaces it adds heated front seats, an premium 7- speaker AM/FM audio system with a 6-disc dash-mounted CD changer, OnStar, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a leather shift knob, light-sensitive rearview mirror with compass and temperature display,

The crossover SUV went about its day to day duties admirably, while delivering fairly decent fuel economy. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

plus P235/60R17 Bridgestone all-season tires on 17 by 7 inch aluminum wheels, and more. Load up the LT AWD with everything and the price climbs to $29,345.

At the base of the console, and raised up to meet the drivers right hand, is the shift lever for the 5-speed automatic transmission - a manual transmission has been conspicuously omitted from the spec sheet. This connects to either front- or all-wheel drive, powered by a 185-hp 3.4-liter Vortec V6, with a maximum of 210 lb-ft of torque at a very tractable 3,800 rpm. This standard engine not only improves off-the-line acceleration and passing power when compared to the old Tracker, but the towing capacity can be increased to 3,500 pounds with a $350 stand-alone optional package.

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